Korean Job Discussion Forums

xingyiman · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

My relatives in the US have obtained a criminal background check through my state's highway patrol. I've run into a big problem though. Apparently the US consulates have no way of notarizing a CBC even a federal one. No one that my relatives have talked to knows how to get the Apostille stamp. I am currently in Bangkok, Thailand and being held up on coming back to Korea by the CBC. Theres no way in eternity of obtaining a federal one in time. Also in spite of the fact that the Korean government says that state and online CBC's are valid the Department of State says they have no way of notarizing them. Has anyone been through this process yet? What are we supposed to do? I simply don't have the $200.00 that the online companies are requiring to give you an apostille document. And the one they are getting is an online version so there has to be a cheaper way.

cangel · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: Jeonju, S. Korea

I am from Washington State. My state's Secretary of State office has an Apostille & Certificate Program (office). The cost was $30. I would check with your state's Secretary of State office.

xingyiman · Joined: 12 Jan 2006

machellebelle · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

I just had mine done with the State Secretary of Virginia, here's a website that'll tell you where you can get it done:

http://travel.state.gov/family/abduction/hague_issues/hague_issues_562.html

Also, you must get it notarized before you get it apostilled.

Good luck! Smile

cangel · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: Jeonju, S. Korea

The Washington State Patrol (Criminal History Check Dept) notorized it for an additional $5. The notary is required in my state before you can get the apostille stamp. After they notorized it, they just inter-office transfered the now notarized document to the Apostille office. They know the routine and even knew the woman's name in the apostille office. They did this free of charge, too. I did have to fax a couple of credit card authorization forms to do this all online but, as I don't live there, it was well worth it. Lastly, the apostille office FedEx'd it to me here in Korea.

paquebot · Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Location: Northern Gyeonggi-do

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

if you've had an E2 previously, then you may niot need the apostille if you apply before march 15.
just do it now and see what happens.

saybanana · Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Location: LA

I find getting an apostille too much of a hassle. Overall it only took me a week to get one. In California, you get one by applying through the Dept of Justice DOJ. Have to get Live Scan which is the digital fingerprints. Then you get sent a letter whether you have a criminal record. (took 4 days, I didnt have a record)

Get it notarized (took 20 mins) through a notary public. Then either you can go to the state capital Sacramento or in my case since I dont live near there, you take it to the county recorders/county clerk who verifies the notary signature (20 mins). Then you take it to the regional office.Mine being in in Downtown Los Angeles. who verifies the county clerks signature (40 mins) and gives the apostille.

It doesnt seem like a lot of time, but I have to drive all across the city because they are not near each other and pay all these fees (nearly $100), includes the finger print scan, notary and state, city stamp fee.

Google how to get a criminal record on your state .
Then google apostille and your state. It was really confusing for me.

nuthatch · Joined: 21 Feb 2008

I obtained my criminal record check in Vermont. I took it to the city hall where I live to be notarized, and then I went to the State of Vermont's Secretary of State' Office where apostille was obtained for, I think, $2. Secretary of State's Office in Vemont requires notarization first.